Tag: language policy

National

26th All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan Applauds Goa Government; Passes Key Resolutions on Language and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 26th All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan, held in Ernakulam, Kerala, concluded with a series of significant resolutions aimed at strengthening the Konkani language, its literary ecosystem, and cultural institutions. Delegates unanimously commended the Goa government for its unequivocal stand on the Official Language Act, particularly in response to demands seeking changes by proponents of Marathi and those advocating for the introduction of Roman script in Konkani education. The Sammelan appealed to opposition MLAs in Goa not to politicize the issue, emphasizing that the future of students and the state’s secular fabric must be protected.

Among the key resolutions passed was the appeal to extend Goa’s scheme of grants for book publishers to include writers from neighbouring states whose works are published by Goan publishers, thereby broadening the scope and reach of Konkani literature. Another resolution urged the government to establish primary schools in talukas where not a single Konkani-medium school exists, addressing a long-standing gap in early education accessibility in the language. Delegates also called for the creation of a Goa Film Development Corporation, noting the rising number of films from the region winning international recognition and the need for structured support, including the screening of short films in local theatres ahead of regular shows.

The two-day event, hosted by several Konkani organisations in Kerala, featured Chief Guest Justice N. Nagresh, who stressed that spoken Konkani is essential for the survival of the language. Citing UNESCO’s classification of endangered languages as critically, severely, definitely, or vulnerable, he urged attendees to introspect on where Konkani currently stands. Guest of Honour and acclaimed Kannada writer Jayant Kaykini described himself as a Konkani writer creating literature in Kannada and spoke about the power of poetry to make readers restless, encouraging emerging writers to fully immerse themselves in the world of literature. The event also featured addresses by Sammelan President Madhav Borkar and All India Konkani Parishad Working President Chetan Acharya. Titus Noronha compered the function, and Sneha Sabnis delivered the vote of thanks. The Sammelan concluded with renewed commitment toward protecting and promoting Konkani language and culture across regions.

EduConnect

Over 8,000 Central Govt Jobs in Goa Linked to Konkani Language Status: Sandesh Prabhudesai

Tanisha Cardozo

In a compelling address at the 33rd Rashtramanyatai Dis held at S S Angle Higher Secondary School, Mashem, Canacona, veteran journalist and researcher Sandesh Prabhudesai brought to light a significant but overlooked employment opportunity for the youth of Goa: more than 8,000 central government and bank jobs that remain unutilized, despite being accessible under existing language policies due to Konkani’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Prabhudesai pointed out that once a language is listed in the Eighth Schedule, the three-language formula (Hindi, English, and the regional language) comes into effect for public-facing roles in central institutions. In Goa, this should mean that any central or public-sector job that involves interaction with the public — from post offices to banks — requires proficiency in Konkani, and such staff cannot be transferred outside the state.

He cited the President’s Order of 1960, which mandates that all signage, publications, and public communications in central offices and banks must be in Hindi, English, and the regional language — Konkani in Goa’s case. “This rule is followed all over India, but not in Goa. Our youth have lost 33 years of job opportunities because the state government has failed to implement this,” Prabhudesai remarked.

He further explained that under the Official Language Resolution of 1968, the Parliament has required that all laws, rules, orders, and circulars be translated into the regional language. This not only enhances accessibility and inclusivity but could also create hundreds of translator jobs, especially with national publishers like the National Book Trust, who are mandated to translate literature into scheduled languages.

Goa has close to 1,000 such establishments, including 42 central and semi-government institutions, 258 post offices, and nearly 700 bank branches. Prabhudesai emphasized that even training and examinations for such posts should be conducted in Konkani to ensure fair access for local candidates.

He concluded by calling out the Goa government for its long-standing inaction, urging them to leverage these constitutionally backed provisions to create meaningful employment and linguistic justice for Goan youth.

The event was organized by Kankon Konkani Kala Kendra and S S Angle Higher Secondary School, with Principal Hemant Kamat welcoming the guests. Suraj Komarpant, Secretary of KKKK, introduced the speaker. Abhijeet Pagi, a Konkani teacher, also addressed the gathering, and veteran Konkani writer Kamalakar Mhalshi delivered the vote of thanks.

Events in Goa

Konkani Should Be Used in Administration Too: Ramesh Gaonkar

Tanisha Cardozo

August 19, 2025 – Madgaon, South Goa: Konkani is not just a language spoken in Goa — it’s a language rich in history, literature, and identity. This was the message echoed by noted linguist Ramesh Gaonkar during the inauguration of the third Official Language Training class for government employees in South Goa.

Held at Madgaon, the session was inaugurated by the Additional District Collector and attended by civil servants and government staff, reaffirming the state’s commitment to the promotion of regional languages in administration.

The training aims to equip government employees with the linguistic skills and confidence to use Konkani in formal communication, moving beyond ceremonial use into functional governance. This initiative also aligns with broader state policies aimed at preserving and promoting Goa’s cultural and linguistic heritage.

With this training class, South Goa continues its efforts to mainstream Konkani as a working language in the government sphere, sending a strong signal about the importance of linguistic identity in public administration.

EduConnect

Hindi Made Mandatory as Third Language in Maharashtra Schools for Classes 1 to 5

allycaralgoa

Mumbai, June 2025 – In a significant step towards promoting multilingual education and national integration, the Government of Maharashtra has announced that Hindi will be made a compulsory third language in all schools across the state for students from Classes 1 to 5, starting from the upcoming academic year.

The directive, issued by the Maharashtra State Education Department, applies to all government, aided, and unaided schools, including those affiliated with state, CBSE, ICSE, and international boards operating within the state.

Implementation and Language Structure

Under the three-language formula, students will now study:

  • First Language: Regional language (Marathi, in most cases)
  • Second Language: English or another language as per the school’s existing policy
  • Third Language: Hindi (now compulsory for Classes 1 to 5)

The initiative aims to provide students with foundational knowledge of Hindi, one of the official languages of India, during their formative years.

Rationale Behind the Move

Education officials stated that the move is part of an effort to strengthen national language literacy, ensure smoother inter-state communication, and foster cultural understanding among young learners. It also aligns with the broader goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages multilingualism and a deeper connection with the linguistic diversity of India.

Government’s Statement

A senior education official commented,

“The ability to understand and use multiple languages, especially Hindi as a link language, will equip our children to engage better in a diverse, interconnected country like India. This move is also about inclusivity and national unity.”

Response from Stakeholders

While the decision has been welcomed by several educators and policymakers as a step toward greater linguistic inclusivity, some parent groups and educational institutions have expressed concerns over curriculum load and language flexibility in non-Hindi-speaking regions. The state government has assured that teacher training and support materials will be provided to ensure smooth implementation without overburdening students.

What’s Next

  • Textbooks and learning aids in Hindi for Classes 1–5 are being developed.
  • Training programs for teachers are being rolled out in collaboration with academic bodies.
  • Monitoring mechanisms will be put in place to ensure quality language instruction.

Conclusion:
The decision to mandate Hindi as a third language in Maharashtra schools underscores the state’s commitment to a well-rounded and inclusive education system. As the policy unfolds, it is expected to pave the way for stronger linguistic skills, better inter-regional communication, and enhanced national integration among the next generation of students.